Title: [Determinant factors of anemia in children]

POPLINE Document Number: 315164

Author(s):

Osorio MM

Source citation:

Jornal de Pediatria, 2002;78(4):269-78.

Abstract:

The objective was to present a review about the main determining factors of anemia in children under 5 years old. Information was collected from articles published in indexed national and international scientific journals, technical books and publications of international organizations. Anemia constitutes the world's nutritional problem of great magnitude, and children under 5 years old form the group with the highest risk. Similarly to any other public health problem, the origin of anemia is multi-causal. Therefore, in this article the attempt is to interpret its direct or indirect relation with possible determinant factors and the main concordant or discordant findings in epidemiological studies. Social and economic conditions, child's health care conditions, child's nutritional state, presence of morbidity, food consumption and biological aspects are among these factors. The role of the diet is emphasized with respect to the consumption and bioavailability of iron, and child's age as the main determinants. Bearing in mind the magnitude of the problem and the extent of its risk factors reviewed in this study, the implementation of urgent prevention and treatment measures for iron-deficiency anemia are required. It is important to highlight that a single strategy may have little success if other measures are not taken simultaneously; the role of nutritional education being relevant, together with other implemented actions. Children under 2 years old and children who live in rural and deprived areas should be considered as priorities in programs to combat anemia. (author's)

Keywords:

Literature Review
Children
Anemia
Risk Factors
Socioeconomic Factors
Child Nutrition
Iron
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Diseases
Biology
Economic Factors
Nutrition
Health
Metals
Vitamins and Minerals
Physiology